The spreading fires in Los Angeles continue to wreak havoc, devastating artists’ homes and cultural centers. The Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena remains safe, but many others have not been so lucky. The fire has destroyed the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena, an artist colony founded by the late sculptor Jirayr Zorthian.
Firefighters continue progress in containing the wildfires impacting the Los Angeles area. Here is a summary of the major fires burning in Southern California including the #PalisadesFire and #EatonFire #LAFires pic.twitter.com/vjTg0fcTh2
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 15, 2025
While the residents escaped, many animals, including 40 sheep, pigs, and a Brahman bull, ran into the woods. The Will Rogers State Historic Park, built in the 1920s, was destroyed in the Palisades fire.
Wildfire Update: Los Angeles Area Fires
In this update, Deputy State Fire Marshal Brice Bennet shares how we’re preparing for Red Flag conditions, steps residents can take to stay safe, and insights into the ongoing damage inspection efforts.
CAL FIRE is dedicated to providing… pic.twitter.com/ZWaCpnKHpL
— CAL FIRE (@CAL_FIRE) January 15, 2025
The park, a significant cultural site, became a park and museum after Rogers’ widow, Betty, donated it to the state.
Additional losses include the Pasadena Jewish Temple and Center, the Theatre Palisades Pierson Playhouse, and the Palisades Branch Library. However, the Eames House, a midcentury architectural landmark, remains undamaged despite rumors to the contrary. Villa Aurora and the Thomas Mann House are also reportedly safe, although the area remains under threat.
FIRE UPDATE: on wildfires in the City of Los Angeles:
➡️Palisades Fire: 19% containment
➡️Hurst Fire: 97% containment
➡️Kenneth Fire: 100% containment
➡️Sunset Fire 100% containment— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) January 15, 2025
As wildfires ravaged the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, art collector Ron Rivlin faced the heartbreaking reality that his valuable collection of contemporary art was at risk.
Cultural landmarks lost to wildfires
With flames growing alarmingly closer, Rivlin made the decision to evacuate, taking with him only three Andy Warhol pieces.
“I grabbed those, and as I was leaving, I saw the fire ahead of me on the hill,” Rivlin recounted. Despite his swift action, the fire consumed his home and nearly his entire art collection. When Rivlin returned a few days later, he found his home reduced to rubble.
The loss was immense: more than two dozen Warhol works, along with pieces by Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, John Baldessari, and Kenny Scharf. Rivlin, who had built his home five years ago with his art collection in mind, now faced the devastating task of searching through the debris for any remnants of his treasured works. Standing amidst the twisted metal and crumbled concrete of his former home, Rivlin reflected on the irreplaceable artwork he once had.
On Monday, as he sifted through the wreckage, he found little more than ash and fragments where icons like Superman, Mickey Mouse, and Howdy Doody had once adorned his space. Rivlin’s collection included significant pieces such as Warhol’s and Haring’s works, “Totem” (1988), among others. The impact on the art community is substantial, as Rivlin’s collection was both expansive and culturally significant.
Ron Rivlin’s story is just one among many tragic losses as the fires continue to inflict widespread damage across Los Angeles, highlighting the vulnerability of even the most prized and protected possessions in the face of natural disasters.